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Material - Testing Lab Manual PDF
Material - Testing Lab Manual PDF
Prepared by:
2010/2009
Aggregate Testing
Building Materials Laboratory Manual Fall 2007-2008
Title This should indicate the nature of the test and the specifications
number used.
Data and results of the test: All laboratory data shall be submitted
in tabular form. Observations relating to the behavior of the materials
should be included. All equations or formulas used should be clearly
indicated. Calculations should be properly checked. The results of the test
should be summarized in tabular or graphical form.
Procedure:
1-Obtain a sample of aggregate (about 50 kg) from three places in the
stockpile: from the top third, at the midpoint, and from the bottom third
of the volume of the pile.
2- Place the field sample on a hard, clean level surface.
3- Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample three times.
4- Shovel the entire sample into a conical pile.
5- Carefully flatten the conical to a uniform thickness and diameter by
pressing down the apex with a shovel. ( The diameter should be
approximately four to eight times the thickness).
6- Divide the flattened mass into four equal quarters with a shovel.
7- Remove two diagonally opposite quarters. Brush the cleared spaces
clean.
8-Mix and quarter the remaining materials until the sample is reduced to
the desired size.
Note
The sample splitters can be used instead of flattening the mass on a
level surface.
Test No.1:
Scope of test:
One of the properties of the aggregates which should be known to design a
concrete mix is its moisture content. It is necessary in order to determine the net
water -cement ratio in a batch of concrete made with job aggregate.
Materials:
The amount of materials depends on the nominal maximum size of aggregate as
follows:
4.75 0.5
9.5 1.5
12.5 2
19 3
25 4
37.5 6
Apparatus:
1. A balance sensitive to 0.5gm.
2. Electrical oven at temperature 105 C.
3. Container with a cover.
4. Sample splitter.
Procedure:
1- Prepare the container clean, record its empty weight (A).
2- Weigh the suitable sample of aggregate and keep it in a container, put the cover on.
3-The weight of the container with the cover and the gravel is (B).
4-Remove the cover, then put the sample in the oven at 105 C for 24 hours.
5-Remove the sample forms the oven and put the cover on it, then leaves it for half
Discussion:
1- Comment on the results you get.
2- Do you think that your results are affected by the weather conditions?
Test 2:
Scope:
This test method covers the determination of Specific Gravity and Absorption
of coarse aggregate. The specific gravity may be expressed as bulk specific gravity,
bulk specific gravity SSD or apparent specific gravity. The bulk specific gravity and
absorption are based on aggregate after 24hour soaking in water.
Materials:
Apparatus:
1-A weighing balance sensitive, readable and accurate to 0.5gm.
2-The balance shall be equipped with suitable apparatus for suspending the
sample container in water.
3.Sample container (A wire basket) [20cm diameter& 20cm in height].
4.Water tank; a watertight tank into which the sample container may be placed
while suspended below the balance.
5-Sieves; 4.75mm (No.4) or other sizes as needed
Procedure:
7- Remove the sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all
visible films of water are removed .Wipe the larger particles individually. Take
care to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores during the operation
of surface- drying.
8- Take the required weight of the sample in its (S.S.D) (saturated surface dry)
condition.
9-After weighing ,immediately place the S.S.D sample in the sample container
and determine its weight in water at 231C.Take care to remove all entrapped a
before weighing by shaking the container while immersed.
10-Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of 1105C, Cool in air
at room temperature 1 to 3 hours, or until the aggregate has cooled to a temperature
that is comfortable to handle, and weigh.
Calculations :-
1-Specific Gravity:-
Where:
A=Weight of oven-dry test sample in air,(gm).
B= Weight of S.S.D. sample in air,(gm).
C=Weight of saturated sample in water,(gm).
2- Absorption:-
Discussion:
1-Comment on the results.
2- Compare the results with the typical values.
3- How can the percentage of absorption affect on a concrete mix?
Test No.3
Specific Gravity and Absorption of fine Aggregate
Scope:. This test method covers the determination of Bulk and Apparent Specific
Gravity and Absorption of fine aggregate.
Apparatus:
Procedure:-
Calculations:
Absorption = [ ( S A) / A x] 100
Discussion:
Fig.(5) The fine aggregate is still damp. Fig.(6) The fine aggregate is
in SSD condition.
Test No.4
ASTM C 131-81(1987)
Scope of test: This test method cover testing sizes of coarse of (12.5mm)
for resistance to degradation using the Los Angeles testing machine.
Summary of test:
Materials:
Apparatus:-
1. Los Angeles Machine.
2. Sieves.
3. Balance accurate to 0.5 gm.
4. Oven. And containers.
A 12 5000+25
B 11 4584+25
C 8 3330+20
D 6 2500+15
Procedure:
1. Put the sample of coarse aggregate in an oven at 105C to get oven-dry sample.
2. Prepare the sample, then Weigh and record its weight to the nearest 1gm.
3.Placc the test sample and charge in the Los Angeles testing
machine and rotate the machine at 30to33 round/mm for 500
revolutions.
4. Discharge the material from the machine and make preliminary separation of the
sample a sieve coarser then (1.7mm).The finer portion shall then be sieved on a
1.7mm sieve.
5. The material coarser then the 1.7mm sieve shall be washed, oven dried at 105 oC
to substantially constant weight, and weighed to
the nearest 5gm.
Calculations:
Wt of initial sample
Note:
ASTM Specifications C33-86 requires that the abrasion percent should not exceed
50% for coarse aggregate used in concrete mixes.
Aim: To determine crushing strength of a given aggregate as per IS: 2386 part - IV
Apparatus:
.,/ A steel cylinder of internal diameter 15.2 cm (Steel cylinder with open ends) .,/ A
square base plate, plunger having a piston diameter of 15 cm .
.,/ A cylindrical measure of internal diameter of 11.5 and height 18 cms . .,/
Steel tamping rod having diameter of 1.6 cms length 45 to 60 cms .
.,/ Balance of capacity 3 kg with accuracy up to 1 gm .
.,/ Compression testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tonnes at a loading
rate of 4 tonnes per minute
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
Procedure:
~ The aggregate in surface-dry condition before testing and passing 12.5 mm sieve
and retained on 10 mm sieve is selected.
~ The cylindrical measure is filled by the test sample of the aggregate in three layers
of approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times by the rounded
end of the tamping rod.
~ After the third layer is tamped, the aggregates at the top of the cylindrical measure
are leveled off by using the tamping rod as a straight edge. Then the test sample is
weighed. Let that be WI gm.
~ Then the cylinder of test apparatus is kept on the base plate and one third of the
sample from cylindrical measure is transferred into cylinder and tamped 25 times
by rounded end of the tamping rod.
~ Similarly aggregate in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being
tamped 25 times by rounded end of the tamping rod.
~ Then the cylinder with test sample and plunger in position is placed on
compression testing machine.
~ Load is then applied through the plunger at a uniform rate of 4 tonnes per minute
until the total load is 40 tonnes and the load is released.
~ Aggregates including the crushed position are removed from the cylinder and
sieved on a 2.36mm IS. sieve and material which passes this sieve is collected
and weighed. Let this be W2 gm.
~ The above step is repeated with second sample of the same aggregate. The two
tests are made for the same specimen for taking an average value.
~ Total weight of dry sample taken is WI gm weight of the portion of crushed
material passing 2.36mm IS sieve be W2 gm.
Then the aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of fines
passing the specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample (WI).
Aggregate crushing value = 100*W2/WI%
Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus
Result:
The mean (average) of the crushing value aggregate is ______________________ %
Viva voce:
1. What do you understand by the term "Ten percent Fines value"?
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
2. Define aggregate crushing value and how crushing strength test is carried out on
cylindrical stone specimen explain.
3. What is the use or application of the aggregate crushing test?
Reference:
2. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
3. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources
for Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
4. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand & Bros., Roorkee.
98
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
ABRASION TEST
Los An2eles Abrasion Test: - The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the
percentage wear due to the relative rubbing action between the aggregates and steel balls
used as abrasive charge pounding action of these balls also exist while conducting the test.
Maximum Allowable Los Angeles Abrasion Values of Aggregates in Different types of
pavement layers as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) are:-
For sub-base course a value of 60%. For base course such as WBM, Bituminous
Macadam (B.M.), Built - Up spray grout base course and etc. value of 50%.
For surface course such as WBM, BM, Bituminous Penetration Macadam, Built-Up
spray grout binder course and etc. a value of 40%.
If aggregates are used in surface course as Bituminous carpet, Bituminous surface
dressing, single or two coats, cement concrete surface coarse and etc. a value of 35%.
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 0
Apparatus:
1/' Los Angeles machine with inside diameter 70cm and inside length of
50%.Abrasive charges.
1/' L S Sieve with 1.7mm opening.
1/' Weighting Balance ofO.1gm accuracy.
Procedure:
~ Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is used for
the test. (Refer table no. 1)
~ Aggregates weighing 5Kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10Kg for gradings E, F or
G may be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder.
~ The abrasive charge is also chosen in accordance with table no. 1 and placed in the
cylinder of the machine, and cover is fixed to make dust tight.
~ The machine is rotated at a speed of30 to 33 revolutions per minute.
~ The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for gradings A, B, C and D, for gradings
E, F and G, it shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions.
~ After the desired number of revolutions, the machine is stopped and the material is
discharged from the machine taking care to take out entire stone dust.
~ Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70mm LS sieve, the material is first separated
into two parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7mm L
S sieve.
~ Let the original weight of aggregate be Wlgm, weight of aggregate retained on
1.70mm L S sieve after the test be W2gm.
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 1
lV,-W
Los Angeles abrasion value %= 1 2 xlOO .
w,
Sl.
Trail 2 Trail 1
Average Details of Sample No.
Weight of Specimen = WIg 1
Weight of Specimen after abrasion test, coarser 2
thanl. 70 mm IS sieve = W 2 g
Percentage wear = WI- W2) I WI) * 100 3
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 3
TABLE NO.1
Abrasive Charge. Weight in grams of each test sample in the size range, mm (passing and retained on Square
holes) ~
No. of
=...-=
Weight of
4.75-2.36 6.3-4.75 10-6.3 12.5-10 20-12.5 25-20 40-25 50-40 63-50 80-63 =CJ
"'"
charge, g Spheres
5000 25 12 - - - 1250 1250 1250 1250 - - - A
4584 25 11 - - - 2500 2500 - - - - - B
3330 20 8 - 2500 2500 - - - - - - - C
2500 15 6 5000 - - - - - - - - - D
5000 25 12 - - - - - - - 5000 2500 2500 E
5000 25 12 - - - - - - 5000 5000 - - F
5000 25 12 - - - - - 5000 5000 - - - G
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 4
Result:
The average value of two Los Angeles abrasion test is ___________________ %
Viva voce:
1. The abrasion value found from Los Angeles test for two aggregates A and B are 50% and
38% respectively. Which aggregate is harder? Why? For what types of constructions are
these suitable?
2. Why Los Angeles abrasion test is considered superior to the other form of tests which are
used to determine the hardness of aggregates?
3. Two materials have abrasion values 3 and 10 respectively. Which one is harder and why?
Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand &
Bros., Roorkee.
17
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
IMPACT TEST
Theorv and Scope:
Toughness is the property of a material to easiest impact. Due to moving loads the aggregates
are subjected to pounding action or impact and there is possibility of stones breaking into smaller
pieces. Therefore a test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e., the resistance of the stones to
fracture under repeated impacts may be called Impact test on aggregates. The test can also be carried on
cylindrical stone specimen known as Page Impact test. The aggregate Impact test has been
standardized by Indian Standard Institution. The aggregate impact test is conducted as per IS-2386 Part
IV.
The aggregate Impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of aggregate to a
sudden shock or an Impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slope compressive
load in crushing test. A modified Impact test is also often carried out in the case of soft aggregates to
find the wet Impact value after soaking the test sample.
Various agencies have specified the maximum permissible aggregate Impact values for the
different types of pavements. IRC has specified the following values.
The maximum allowable aggregate Impact value for water bound Macadam; Sub-Base coarse
50% where as cement concrete used in base course is 45%. WBM base course with
Bitumen surface in should be 40%. Bituminous Macadam base course should have A.I.V of 35%. All
the surface courses should possess an A.I.V below 30%.
Aim: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregate as per I.S-2386 Part IV.
.,/ A cylindrical metal measure having 7.5cm and depth of 5cm for measuring aggregates .
.,/ A tamping rod of circular cross section, lcm in diameter and 23cm long, rounded at one
end .
Procedure:
~ The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on lOmm sieve
and dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100 C to 110 C.
~ The aggregates are filled upto about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25 times
with rounded end of the tamping rod.
~ The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25
times.
~ The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut offby tamping rod using it has a
straight edge.
~ Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighted nearing to O.Olgm.
~ The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup which is
firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25 times.
~ The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of aggregates in
the cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates. The test sample is subjected to a total
of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second. The
crushed aggregate is than removed from the cup and the whole of it is sieved on 2.366mm
sieve until no significant amount passes. The fraction passing the sieve is weighed accurate
to O.lgm. Repeat the above steps with other fresh sample.
1
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 9
~ Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be Wlgm and the weight of fraction passing
2.36mm I.S sieve be W2gm. Then aggregate Impact value is expressed as the % of fines
formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.
100 * w
Aggregate Impact Value = 2 %.
WI
Sl.
Trail 2 Trail 1
Average Details of Sample No.
Total Weight of aggregate sample filling the cylinder 1
measure = WIg
Weight of aggregate passing 2.36 mm sieve after the test 2
=W2g
Weight of aggregate retained 2.36 mm sieve after the 3
test = W 2 g
(WI- W2 + W3) 4
Result:
The mean A.I.V is %.
Viva voce:
1. How is aggregate Impact expressed?
2. What do you understand by dry and wet Impact value?
3. Aggregate Impact value of material A is 15 and that of B is 35. Which one is better for surface
course?
Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian Standards
Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for Concrete,
IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand & Bros.,
Roorkee.
23
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
FLAKINESS INDEX: The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by particles whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than 3/Sth (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to sizes
smaller than 6.3mm.
ANGULARITY NUMBER: The angularity number of an aggregate is the amount by which the percentage
voids exceeds 33 after being compacted in a prescribed manner. The minimum allowable combined index
of aggregates used in surface course in different types of pavement is 30%.
Apparatus: - The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge, I.S. sieves of sizes 63, 50,
40,31.5,25,20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3mm and a balance to weigh the samples.
Procedure:
~ The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table.
~ A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (wlgm).
~ In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on thickness gauge, or
in bulk on sieve having elongated slots as specified in the table.
~ Then the amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of atleast 0.1 % of
test sample.
~ Let the weight of the flaky materials passing the gauge be wlgm. Similarly the weights of the
fractions passing and retained on the specified sieves be wI, w2, w3,
etc. are weighed and the total weight wI +w2+w3+ ...................... = wg is found. Also the
weights of the materials passing each of the specified thickness gauge are found = WI, W2, W3
... and the total weight of the material passing the different thickness
gauges = WI+W2+W3+ ................ =Wg is found.
~ Then the flakiness index is the total weight of the flaky material passing the various
thickness gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged
W
ness n ex = --------x
= -x100 %
(~
W+ W;
+ ~ + .......... )
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
Thickness Gauge
Apparatus: Length gauge, I.S-sieves as gIven ill the table and a balance of accuracy 0.01 Gm.
Procedure:
~ The sample is sieved through I. S-sieves specified in the table. A minimum of 200 aggregate
pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed.
~ Each fraction is thus gauged individually for length in a length gauge. The gauge length is
used should be those specified in the table for the appropriate material.
~ The pieces of aggregates from each fraction tested which could not pass through the
specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and they are collected
separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained on the length gauge from each
fraction.
~ The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of atleast 0.1 % of the weight of the test sample.
~ The weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on specified sieves
sizes are found - WI, W2, W3, ............................... And the total weight of sample determined
= WI + W 2+ W 3+ ............................ = W g. Also the weights of material from each fraction
retained on the specified gauge length are found = Xl, X2, X3 ... and the total weight
retained determined = Xl +X2+X3+ ........... = X gm.
~ The elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.
. Ind (Xl + X2 + X3 + ................................) 100
EI
ongatlOn ex = -------x .
(~+W; +~ + ..... )
2
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 8
Length Gauge
- 25 31.5
40.50 20 25
32.40 16 20
25.60 12.5 16
20.20 10.0 12.5
14.70 6.3 10
Apparatus:
1. The apparatus consists of a metal cylinder closed at one end and of about 3 liter capacity.
The diameter and height of this being approximately equal i.e., about 15.64cms diameter and
15.64cms height.
2. A metal tamping rod of circular cross section 1.6cms in diameter and 60cms in length rounded
at one end.
3. I.S. sieves of sizes 20, 16, 5, 10, 6.3 and 4.75mm and balance of capacity IOkg to weigh upto
O.lgm.
Procedure:
~ Metal cylinder is calibrated by determining the weight of water at 27C required to fill it, so that
no meniscers is present above the rim of the container.
~ The sample of single size aggregate retained between the specified pair of sieves is dried in an
oven at a temperature 100C to 110C for 24 hours and cooled prior to testing.
~ The aggregates are placed in the cylinder and subjected to 100 blows of the tamping rod at a rate
of about 2 blows per second. Each blow is applied by holding the rod vertically with its
rounded end 5cms above the surface of the aggregates and releasing it so that it falls vertically
and no force is applied to the rod.
~ The process of filling and tamping is repeated exactly as described above with a second and third
layer of aggregate.
~ After the third layer is tamped, the cylinder is filled to over flowing and the aggregates are struck
off level with the top using a tamping rod as a straight edge.
~ The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed accurately.
~ All the above steps are repeated on another sample and averages of two are represented.
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Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
Viva Voce:
1. Explain what is meant by flaky and elongated particles?
2. Explain Angularity Number. How is it found?
3. What do you understand by the term Combined Index?
32
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory
Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-I, Indian Standards
Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand &
Bros., Roorkee.
Building Materials Laboratory Manual Fall 2007-2008
Test No.5
or loose condition
(ASTM C 29 89)
Scope: This test method covers the determination of unit weight in a compacted or
loose condition and calculation of voids in fine and coarse aggregates. This test
method is applicable to aggregates not exceeding (100mm) in N.M.S.
Materials:
Sample of, preferably, oven dry fine aggregate and an other of oven-dry coarse
aggregate.
Apparatus:-
1. A balance accurate to 0.5gm.
2. Measure: A cylindrical metal measure preferably provided with handles. Its
capacity shall conform to the limits below:
12.5 0.0028
25 0.0093
37.5 0.014
100 0.028
Procedure:
1- Fill the measure with water at room temperature and cover with a piece of plate
glass in such away as to eliminate bubbles and excess water.
2- Determine the weight of the water in the measure.
3-Measure the temperature of water and determine its density from table below:-
Density of water
15.6 999.01
18.3 998.54
21.1 997.97
23 997.54
23.9 997.32
26.7 996.59
29.4 995.83
4- Calculate the volume, V of the measure by dividing the weight of water required
to fill the measure by its density.
3. Determine the weight of the measure plus its contents, and calculate the
weight of the aggregate by subtracting the empty weight of the cylinder.
4. Empty the cylinder and refill it again to one third of its height and rod the
layer of aggregate with (25) strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over
the surface. Fill the cylinder two-thirds full and again level and rod as
previous. Finally, of the cylinder to overflowing and rod again in the manner
previously mentioned. Level the surface of the aggregate with the fingers or a
straight edge in such away as that mentioned in (step 3).
5. In Roding the first layer, do not allow the rod to strike the bottom of the
measure forcibly. In Roding the second layer and third layer, use only enough
force to cause the tamping rod to penetrate the previous layer of aggregate.
6. Determine the weight of the measure plus its contents and calculate the wt. Of
aggregate.
Calculations:
1-Unit weight: calculate the unit weight for the rodding or shoveling procedure
follows:- M = ( G-T )/ V
Where :-
M= unit weight of the aggregate (kg/m3)
G= Weight of the aggregate plus the cylinder (kg)
T= Weight of the empty cylinder (kg)
V= Volume of the cylinder (m3)
Note: The unit weight determined by this test method is for aggregate in an oven- dry
condition.
2-Void content:- Calculate the void content in the aggregate using the unit weight
determined by either the rodding or shoveling procedure as follows:
%Voids
Note:
Normal-Weight aggregate density: (1280-1920) kg/m3
Fig.(8) The cylindrical metal measures for the fine and coarse aggregates
Test No.6
(ASTM C 136-84a)
Scope: This method covers the determination of the particle size distribution the fine
and coarse aggregate by sieving.
Materials:
1. The weight of test sample of fine aggregate shall be, after drying, approximately
(500 gm).
2. The weight of test sample of coarse aggregate shall conform with the following:
9.5 1
12.5 2
19 5
25 10
37.5 15
Apparatus:
Procedure:
1- Put the sample in the oven at 110C.
2-Determine the empty weight for each sieve and record.
3-Nest the sieve in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom place the
sample on the top sieve.
4- Agitate (shake) the sieve by placing the set on the mechanical shaker for 10min.
5- Open the set of sieve carefully so that no loosing of materials is expected.
6-Weigh each sieve with the residue record its weight.
Notes:
Test No.7
Aggregate by Washing
(ASTM C117-87)
Scope: This test method covers determination of the amount of materials finer than a
75m (N0.200) sieve in aggregate by washing. Clay particles and other aggregate
particles that are dispersed by the wash water, as well as water soluble materials, will
be removed from the aggregate during the test.
Materials :
the mass of the test sample, after drying , shall conform with the following:
Apparatus :
Procedure:
1- Dry the test sample to constant mass at a temperature of 110 Co+ 5Co
Determine the mass to the nearest 0.1gm of the test sample.
2- Place the test sample in the container and add sufficient water to cover it. Agitate
the sample to result in complete separation of all particles finer than the 75m
(No.200) sieve from the coarser particles, and to bring the fine materials into
suspension. immediately pour the wash water containing the suspended and
dissolved solids over the nested sieves, arranged with the coarser sieve on top .
3- Add a second charge of water to the sample in the container, agitate , and decant as
before. Repeat this operation until the wash water is clear.
4- Return all materials retained on the nested sieve by flushing to the washed sample .
Dry the washed sample to constant mass at a temp. of 110 + 5 Co and determine
the mass to the nearest 0.1% of the original mass of the sample .
5- Calculate the amount of materials passing 75m (No.200) sieve by washing as
follows:
B-C
A = 100
B
Where :
A = percentage of material finer than 75m sieve by washing .
B = Original dry mass of sample .(gm)
C = Dry mass of sample after washing.(gm)
Note:
Procedure:
Calibration of the Blaine apparatus.
~ Calculate the volume of the compacted bed of cement V by the following formula V=
(W A- WB)/P
Where W A= mass of the mercury required to fill the permeability cell
WB=mass of the mercury to fill the portion of the cell not
occupied by the bed of cement formed by 2.8 gm of standard cement
sample.
P = Density of mercury at the temperature of test.
The masses W A and W B are obtained by weighing the mercury in the crucible.
~ Determine the mass of sample W required to produce a bed having porosity of 0.500 (= e) as
follows
W= 3.15V*(1 - e)
~ Evacuate the air until the fluid moves above the upper line without pulling if over the top of the
side outlet close the valve and note the time T s taken by manometer liquid to fall from 2nd mark
(from top) to the 3rd mark on the manometer when the air allowed to permeate though the
compacted bed of standard cement sample. Note the air temperature.
S = Ss ..JT/..J Ts
Where Ss = Specific surface of standard cement used in calibration.
T s= Measured time in sec required for the fluid to fall the middle
interval for standard sample.
T = Measured time In sec required for the fluid to drop over the middle interval.
~ Compare the test values with the specified values of the cement sample used.
a)
010155 t t.fbe
9111m O.D.
FHt~r PQDer
dlsc~
Coutlfj ng t{J t.it i . i.
1cp Of flUJI1 0 mm-~ ~~~
1eIWI
Perfo,rdttd metal disc
with :30 t(J 40 f1o{es
t mm ~ EQ 1Jt] lly
distnbuHd
CEL!.
MANOMl!:TER
Air temperature in 0 C
Specific surface of the standard cement, Ss cm2/gm
b) Fineness determination
Material identification
Mass of sample W in gm
Air temperature, 0 C
through the middle liquid to fall Time for
, sec
run, sec
run, sec
Average time, T sec
Specific surface, cm2/gm
Result: The fineness of the given cement sample = ________________ _
Viva voce:
1. What does the fineness of the cement indicate?
2. The specific surface by air permeability methods for different cements are:-
b) Ordinary cements
c)Rapid hardening cement c)
Low heat cement
3. Does it give any idea of the particle sizes present in the sample?
References:
1. Neville. A. M, Properties of concrete, 3rd edition, Pitman publishing company, 1981.
2. Gambhir. M. L, Concrete manual, 4th edition, Dhanpat Rai and Sons, Delhi.
Building Materials Laboratory Manual Fall 2007-2008
Test No.8
(ASTM C 184-83)
Scope: This test method covers determination of the finesses of hydraulic cement by
means of the 150 m (No.100) and 75m (No.200) sieves.
Apparatus:-
1. Sieve:- Standard 150 m (No.100) or 75m (No.200) sieves.
2. Balance and weights.
3. Brush: a bristle brush will be required for use in cleaning the 150 m or 75m
sieve.
4. A pan and a cover for the sieve.
Procedure:
1. Place 50-gm sample of the cement on the clean, dry (No.100) or (No.200) sieve
with the pan attached.
2. While holding the sieve and uncovered pan in both hands, sieve with a gentle wrist
motion until most of the fine material has passed through and the residue looks
fairly clean.13 or 4 minutes.
3. Place the cover on the sieve and remove the pan.
4.With the sieve and cover held firmly in one hand, gently tap the side of the sieve
with the handle of the brush used for cleaning the sieve.
5.Empty the pan and wipe it out with a cloth, replace the sieve in the pan and
carefully remove the cover .
6. Continue sieving without the cover for 5 to 10 min. Or until not more than
(0.05gm) of the material passes through in 1 minutes of continuous sieving.
7.Carefully open the set and transfer the residue on the sieve to a white clean paper,
and record the weight.
8. Calculate the percentage residue as:
Test No.9
ASTM ( C 187-86)
Scope: This test method cover the determination of the normal consistency of
hydraulic cement. That is by determining the amount of water required to prepare
cement pastes for Initial and final time of setting test.
Apparatus:
1.Weight and weighing devices.
2. Glass graduates (200 or 250) ml capacity.
3. Vicat apparatus with the plunger end, 10 mm in diameter.
4.Electrical mixer , trowel and containers.
5. Mixing glass plate 30cm x 30cm.
Procedure:
1- Place the dry paddle and the dry bowl in the mixing position in the
mixer.
3- Add the cement to the water and allow 30 s for a absorption of the water.
5- Stop for (15 s) and make sure no materials have collected on the sides of the
bowel.
7- Quickly form the cement paste into the approximate shape of a ball with
gloved hands
8- Putting hand at (15cm) distance, throw the cement paste ball from hand to
hand six times.
9- Press the ball into the larger end of the conical ring, completely fill the ring
with paste.
10- Remove the excess at the larger end by a single movement of the palm of the
hand. Place the ring on its larger end on the base of the plate of Vicat
apparatus.
11- Slice off the excess paste at the smaller end at the top of the ring by a single
sharp- ended trowel and smooth the top. (Take care not to compress the paste).
12- Center the paste under the plunger end which shall be brought in contact with
the surface of the paste, and tighten the set-screw.
13- Set the movable indicator to the upper zero mark of the scale or take an initial
reading, and release the rod immediately. This must not exceed 30 seconds
after completion of mixing.
14- The paste shall be of normal consistency when the rod settles to a point
101mm below the original surface in 30 seconds after being released.
15- . Make trial paste with varying percentages of water until the normal
consistency is obtained. Make each trial with fresh cement.
pent.(mm)
w/c
18. From the curve state the w/c% which will give (10mm), that is the percentage for
Normal Consistency.
Test No. 10
Scope: This test covers determination of the time of Setting of cement by means of
the Vicat needle.
Apparatus:
1. Vicat Apparatus with the needle end, 1mm in diameter.
2. Weights and weighing Device.
3. Glass Graduates (200 or 250) ml capacity.
4. A trowel and containers.
Procedure:
1. Weigh (400) gm cement.
2. Prepare amount of water as to that calculated in normal consistency test.
3. Prepare a cement paste following same steps mentioned in the previous test (test
No. 9). Place in Vicat conical ring like test No. 9. Don't forget to record the
time since the cement is added to the water.
4. Allow the time of setting specimen to remain in the moist cabinet for 30 minutes
after molding without being disturbed. Determine the Penetration of the 1mm
needle at this time and every (15) minutes until a penetration of 25mm or less is
obtained
5. To read the penetration, lower the needle of Vicat Apparatus until it touches the
surface of the cement paste. Tighten the screw and take an initial reading. Release
the set screw and allow the needle to settle for 30 seconds, and then take the
reading to determine the penetration.
6. Note that no penetration shall be made closer than (6mm) from any previous
penetration and no penetration shall be made closer than (9.5mm) from the inside
of the mold. Record the results of all penetration, then by drawing a curve
determine the time when a penetration of 25 mm is obtained. This is the initial
setting time
7. The final setting time is when the needle dose not sinks visible into the paste.
8. Draw a graph for (penetration time). Show the time which gives penetration of
(25 mm) this will be the initial setting time.
Note:
Test No.11
Scope:
This test covers determination of the density of cement and its specific gravity.
The density of cement is defined as the mass of a unit volume of the solids.
Apparatus:
1- Le chatelire flask: the standard flask which is circular in cross section with special
shape and dimensions
2- Kerosene, free of water.
3- Balance.
4- Holder.
5- Water bath.
Procedure:
1- Fill the flask with Kerosene to a point on the stem between 0 and 1ml mark.
2- Put the flask in the water bath at a constant temperature for a sufficient period of
time in order to avoid flask temperature variations greater than 0.2 C between the
initial and final readings.
3- Record the final reading on the flask.
4- Prepare (64) gm of cement weighed to the nearest (0.05) gm and place it in the
flask in small increments. Take care to avoid splashing and see that the cement
dose not adheres to the inside of the flask above the liquid.
5- After all the cement has been introduced, place the stopper in the flask and roll the
flask in an inclined position so as to free the cement from air until no further air
bubbles rise to the surface of the liquid.
6- Put the flask in the water bath as in step (2).
7- Take the final reading.
Calculations:
1- The difference between the first and the final readings represents the volume of
liquid displaced by the mass of cement used in the test.
2- Calculate the cement density as:
Test No. 1
Scope
This test method covers determination of the compressive strength of cement
mortars, using 2 in ( 50 mm ) cube specimens.
Apparatus
1- Weights and weighing device.
2- Glass Graduate .
3- Specimens molds: three cubes of (50mm) side.
4- Mixer ( electrically driven mechanical mixer of the type equipped
with paddle and mixing bowl).
5- Testing machine.
6- Tamper and trowel.
Materials:
Note: For other than Portland and air- entraining Portland cements, do
flow table test , to determine the amount of mixing water.
Procedure:
A. Preparation of Mortar :-
2. Place the dry paddle and the dry bowl in the mixing position in
the mixer . Then introduce the materials for a batch into the bowl
and mix in the following manner:
i- Place all the mixing water in the bowl.
ii-Add the cement to the water, then start the mixer and mix at
the low speed (140 5 r/ min) for (30 s).
iii-Add the entire quantity of sand slowly over a (30 s) period , while
mixing at slow speed.
iv- Stop the mixer, change to medium speed (285 +10 r/min) and mix for 30 s.
v-Stop the mixer and let the mortar stand for 1.5 min . During the first (15 s)
of this interval, quickly scrape down into the batch any mortar that may
have collected on the side of the bowl.
8 4
3
7 2
1 6 1 5
2 5 6
3 7
4 8
The tamping pressure shall be just sufficient to insure uniform filling of the
molds.
v- The 4 rounds of taming shall be completed in one cube before going to the next .
vi-When the tamping of the first layer in all cubes is completed , fill the molds with
the remaining mortar and tamp as specified for the first layer .
vii- Cut off the mortar to a plane surface with a straight edge.
viii- Keep the molds in a moist room for 20-24 hours then open them and keep the
specimens in a water basin for a week.
C-Testing specimens:
1- After 7 days (+ 3 hours) , take the specimens out of the basin, dry them with a
clean cloth , put them, one after the other, in the testing machine.
2- The cubes must be put on one side , using extra steel plates up and down the
specimen .
3- Start loading in a speed of 1.4 kN /sec or (350 kg /cm2 ) in a minute
4- When failure, record load and the compressive strength.
Calculations:
2- Compare with [ ASTM C150-89]: c 19.3 MPa [ For type I cement ] age 7 days
Test No. 2
Scope:
This test method covers the determination of the tensile strength of cement mortars
employing the Briquet specimens.
Apparatus:
1- Weights and weighing device.
2- Tools and containers for mixing.
3- Briquet molds.
4- Water basin.
5- Testing Machine.
Procedure:-
1- The proportions of materials for the standard mortar shall be 1 part of cement to 3
parts standard sand by weight .For making 3 briquets, prepare 300 gm of cement
with 3x300 = 900 gm of standard sand. The percentage of water used in the standard
mortar shall depend upon the percentage of water required to produce a neat cement
paste of normal consistency from the same sample of cement as in table (1).
Note:
The values being in percentage of the combined dry weights of the cement and
standard sand.
2-Mix dry cement with dry sand and make a crater in the middle, then pour water in
the crater, and turn the material on the outer edge into the crater within 30 seconds
by the aid of a trowel.
3- After an additional interval of 30 seconds for the absorption of the water, mix
thoroughly for 1.5 minutes.
4- Prepare Briquet molds, clean and thinly covered with a film of mineral oil.
5- Fill the molds heaping full without compacting, then press the mortar in,
firmly with the thumbs, applying the force 12 times to each Briquet at points
to include the entire surface.
6- Heap the mortar above the mold and smooth it off with a trowel.
7- Cover the mold with a plane glass and turn over the mold and plates. Remove the
top plate and repeat the operation of heaping, thumbing and smoothing off.
8- Keep all test specimens in moist room for 24 hours.
9-Open molds and immerse the specimens in water in the storage tank. Keep them in
water for a week.
10- Take specimens out of water, dry with clean cloth then fix them in
the testing machine (one after the other).
11-Record the load causing failure and the cross-sectional area at the fracture point.
Calculation :-
Note:
According to [ ASTM C 150-58]
t 1896 kPa [ For type 1cement 1days in moist air +6 days in water ]
Fig. (3) The testing machine for cement mortar specimens in tension.
Test No. 3
Scope:
This practice cover procedures for making and curing test specimens of concrete in
the laboratory under accurate control of materials and test conditions using concrete
that can be consolidated by rodding or vibration .
General :-
1- Mix concrete in a suitable mixer or by hand in batches of such size as to leave
about 10% excess after molding the test specimens .
2- Hand- mixing procedures are not applicable to air-entrained concrete or concrete
with no measurable slump.
3- It is Important not to vary the mixing sequence and procedure from batch to batch
unless the effect of such variation is under study.
Machine Mixing:
1- Put the coarse aggregate in the mixer , add some of the mixing water and the
solution of admixture, when required , [add with water ].
2- Start the mixer, then add the fine aggregate , cement and water with the mixer
running .If it is impractical to add the fine aggregate, cement and water with the
mixer is running , these components may be added to the stopped mixer after
permitting it to turn a few revolutions following charging with coarse aggregate
and some of the water.
3- Mix the concrete, after all integrates are in the mixer, for 3 minutes followed by
3 minutes rest , following by 2-minutes final mixing .
Hand Mixing:-
1-In a watertight ,clean, damp metal pan, mix the cement , insoluble admixture, if
used, and the fine aggregate without addition of water until they are thoroughly
blended.
2- Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch without addition of water until
the coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch .
3-Add water , and the admixture solution if used, and mix the mass until the concrete
is homogenous in appearance and of the desired consistency.
Making Specimens:
1-Place of Molding :
i-Mold specimens as near as practicable to the place where they are to be stored
during the first 24 hours.
ii-Place molds on a rigid surface free from vibration and other disturbances
iii-If it is not practicable to mold the specimens where they will be stored, move them
to the place of storage immediately after being struck off.
2-Placing:-
i-Place the concrete in the molds using a scoop, blunted trowel ,or shovel. Select each
scoopful, trowelful, or shovelful of concrete from the mixing pan to ensure that it is
representative of the batch.
ii-It may be necessary to remix the concrete in the mixing pan with a shovel to
prevent segregation during the molding of specimens.
iii- Move the scoop or trowel a round the top edge of the mold as the concrete is
discharged in order to ensure symmetrical distribution of the concrete and for
minimize segregation of coarse aggregate within the mold.
iv-Further distribute the concrete by use of a tamping rod prior to the start of
consolidation.
3-Number of layers:-
Make specimens, in layer as indicated by the test for which they are prepared or
as [ASTM C 192-table1].
4-Methods of consolidation :-
Preparation of satisfactory specimens requires different methods of consolidation.
The methods of consolidation are:-
i- rodding.
ii-internal vibration.
iii-external vibration.
Hints:
- Rod concretes with slump greater than75mm .
-Rod or vibrate concretes with slump of (25-75mm).
-Consolidate by vibration concrete with slump of less than 25mm.
-Do not use internal vibration for cylinders of 100mm diameter or less and beams
or prisms of 100mm breadth or depth or less.
i-Rodding:
Place the concrete in the mold in the required number of layers of
approximately equal volume .Rod each layer with the rounded end of the rod using
the number of strokes and size of rod specified in table (2) ASTM C 192-88.
Rod the bottom layer throughout its depth. Distribute the strokes uniformly over the
cross-section of the mold and for each upper layer allow the rod to penetrate about
12mm into the underlying layer when the depth of the layer is less than 100mm and
about (25mm) when the depth is (100mm) or more.
After each layer is rodded , tap the outside of the mold lightly 10-15 times with the
mallet to close any holes left by rodding.
ii) Vibration
The duration of vibration required will depend upon the workability of the
concrete and the effectiveness of the vibrator.
Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper consolidation of the concrete.
Fill the molds and vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers.
Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold before starting vibration of that layer.
Add the final layer, so as to avoid over filling by more than (6 mm). Then finish the
surface.
5- Finishing:
After consolidation, strike off the surface of the concrete and float or trowel it
with a wood or magnesium float.
6- Curing:
1- Covering after finishing: To prevent evaporation of water from the unhardened
concrete cover the specimens immediately after finishing, preferably with a non-
absorptive, non reactive plate.
2- Removal from molds: Remove the specimens from the molds after 24 + 8 hours.
3- Curing Environment: Unless otherwise specified, all specimens shall be moist
cured at 23 + 1.7 oC from the time of molding until the moment of test.
Test No. 4:
Scope:
This test method is used to determine the slump of freshly mixed concrete, which is
an approximate measure of consistency. The test may be done in the laboratory and in
field.
Apparatus:
1- Weights and weighing device.
2- Tools and containers for mixing, or concrete mixer .
3- Tamper ( 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length)
4- Ruler
5- Slump cone which has the shape of a frustum of a cone with the following dimensions:
Base diameter 20 cm
Top diameter 10 cm
Height 30 cm
Materials thickness at least 1.6 mm
Procedure:
1- Prepare a clean, wide, flat mixing pan. (
2-Place the dampened slump cone on one side of the pan. It shall be held firmly in
place during filling by the operator standing on the two foot pieces.
3- Place the newly mixed concrete (prepared as in test No. 3) in three layers, each
approximately one third the volume of the mold.
4- In placing each scoopful of concrete, move the scoop around the top edge of the
mold as the concrete slides from it, in order to ensure symmetrical distribution
of concrete within the mold.
5- Rod each layer with 25 strokes of the tamper, distribute the strokes in a uniform
manner over the cross section of the mold, each stroke just penetrating into the
underlying layer.
6-For the bottom layer this will necessitate inclining the rod slightly and making
approximately half of the strokes spirally toward the center.
Rod the bottom layer throughout its depth.
7-In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before
rodding is started.
8-After rodding the top layer, strike off the surface of the concrete with a trowel,
leaving the mold exactly filled.
9- While filling and rodding, be sure that the mold is firmly fixed by feet and cant
move.
10- Clean the surface of the base outside the cone of any excess concrete. Then
immediately remove the mold from the concrete by raising it slowly in a vertical
direction.
11-Measure the slump immediately by determining the difference between the height
of the mold and the height of the vertical axis (not the maximum height) of the
specimen.
12- Clean the mold and the container thoroughly immediately after using.
13-If the pile topples [when raising the mold out of concrete ] sideways, it indicates
that the materials have not been uniformly distributed in the mold and the test
should be remade.
Test No. 5
Four methods of determining the workability of fresh concrete are given in Part 102
to 105 of BS 1881, as follows:
Workability Method
Very low Vebe time
Low Vebe time, compacting factor
Medium Compacting factor, Slump
High Compacting factor, Slump, Flow
Very high Flow
Scope
This test describes the method for determining the compacting factor of concrete of
low, medium and high workability. The method applies to plain and air-entrained
concrete, made with lightweight, normal weight or heavy aggregates having a
nominal maximum size of 40 mm or less but not to aerated concrete or no-fines
concrete.
The method is suitable for concretes having compacting factor in the range 0.7 to 0.98
Apparatus:
1-The compacting factor apparatus, which consists of a holder fixing two conical
hoppers and a cylinder at the base.
2- Tools and containers for carrying and mixing the materials.
3- Balance.
Procedure:
1- Prepare a concrete mix following steps mentioned in test (No3).Use 8 kg of cement
to cast 2 cubes and 2 cylinders.
2- Damp the two, hoppers and record the empty weight of the cylinder.
3- First, close the bases of the two hoppers.
4- Fill the upper hopper with the freshly mixed concrete (fill freely without
compacting), then open the base of this upper hopper to allow concrete to fall
under the effect of its weight to the lower hopper. This hopper is smaller than the
upper one, thus it will be filled to overflowing.
5- Then open the base of the second hopper to allow concrete (also only under the
effect of its weight ) to fall into the cylinder. Excess concrete is cut by
two floats slide across the top of the mold.
6- Certain mixes have a tendency to stick in one or both of the hoppers. If this occurs,
help the concrete through by pushing the tamping rod gently into the concrete from
the top until the lower end emerges from the bottom of the hopper. If this does not
dislodge the concrete, raise the rod and repeat the process until the concrete falls
through the hopper. Count the number of times the concrete is rodded as this
provides a guide to the cohesiveness of the concrete.
7- Level the surface of the cylinder and clean the sides of the cylinder.
Within 150 s of placing, weigh the cylinder with concrete inside. Record the
weight.
8- The difference between the weight of the concrete with the cylinder and empty
cylinder will be the weight of partially compacted concrete [W1].
9- Now empty the cylinder, clean it and cover the inside surface by a thin layer of
mineral oil.
10- Fill the cylinder with concrete in six layers (BS) rodding each layer by (25)
strokes equally distributed on the surface. Level the surface and clean sides.
11- Weigh the cylinder with its contents and record.
12- The difference between the weight of the compacted concrete with the cylinder
and the empty cylinder will be the weight of completely compacted concrete [W2].
Calculations:
Test No. 6
Scope:
It specifies the method for determination of the flow of concrete of high to very
high workability. The method applies to plain and air-entrained concrete, having a
flow diameter of 500mm to 650mm when tested, made with light weight, normal
weight or heavy aggregates having a nominal maximum size of 20mm or less. It does
not apply to aerated concrete or no fines concrete.
Apparatus:
1- The table, which consists essentially of a board covered by a steel plate with a total
mass of 16 kg .This board is hinged along one side to a base board, each board
being a 700 mm square. The upper board can be lifted up to a stop so that the free
edge rises 40mm .Appropriate marking indicate the location of the concrete to be
deposited on the table.
2- A frustum of a cone, 200mm high with a bottom diameter of 200 mm and a top
diameter of 130 mm
3- A tamping bar, made of a suitable hardwood, having a square section of side 40+1
mm and at least 200mm long.
4- Weights and weighing device.
5- Tools and containers for mixing.
6- Rule of min length 700mm.
Procedure:
1- Prepare a concrete mix as in test No.3, using mix proportions of 1:2:3 and
w/c=65%
2- Moist the table top and the frustum of the cone.
3- Try lifting and dropping the table then, keep the table horizontal.
4- Hold the mold firmly in place and fill in two layers, each approximately one half
the volume of the mold. Rod each layer with 10 strokes with the wooden tamper.
5- Before lifting the mould , excess concrete is removed, the surrounding table top is
cleaned.
6- After an interval of 30 seconds, the mould is vertically, slowly removed within 3-6
seconds.
7- The table top is lifted slowly and allowed to drop, avoiding a significant force
against the stop, 15 times, each cycle taking not less than 3.5 and not more than
5 sec.
8- In consequence, the concrete spreads and the maximum spread parallel to the two
edges of the table is measured.
9- The average of these two values, given to the nearest mm, represents the flow.
10-A value of 400 mm indicates a medium workability, and 500 mm a high
workability.
Test No. 7
Apparatus:
1- Weights and weighing device.
2- Tools and containers for mixing.
3- Tamper (square in cross section)
4- Testing machine.
5- Three cubes (150 mm side)
Procedure:
1- Prepare a concrete mix as mentioned in (test No. 3 ) with the proportions suggested
Such as: 1: 2: 3 with w/c = 55% by mechanical mixer.
2- Prepare three testing cubes; make sure that they are clean and greased or oiled
thinly.
3-Metal molds should be sealed to their base plates to prevent loss of water.
4-Fill the cubes in three layers, tamping each layer with (35) strokes using a tamper,
square in cross-section with 2.54 cm side and 38.1 cm length, weighing 1.818 kg.
5- While filling the molds, occasionally stir and scrape together the concrete
remaining in the mixer to keep the materials from separating.
6- Fill the molds completely, smooth off the tops evenly, and clean up any concrete
outside the cubes.
7- Mark the specimens by a slip of paper on which is written the date and the
Specimen identification. Leave the specimens in the curing room for 24 hours.
8- After that open the molds and immerse the concrete cubes in a water basin for
7 days.
9- Before testing, ensure that all testing machine bearing surfaces are wiped clean.
10-Carefully center the cube on the lower platen and ensure that the load will be
applied to two opposite cast faces of the cube.
11-Without shock, apply and increase the load continuously at a nominal rate within
the range of ( 0.2 N/mm2.s to 0.4 N/mm2.s ) until no greater load can be
sustained. On manually controlled machines, as failure is approached, the
loading rate will decrease, at this stage operate the controls to maintain, as far as
possible, the specified loading rate. Record the maximum load applied to each
cube.
Note:
When the cubes are surface dry, or have not been cured in water, immerse them
in water, for a minimum of 5 minutes, before testing. They must be tested while they
are still wet.
Type of failure
Record any unusual feature in the type of failure. Refer to fig. ( ) for examples
of satisfactory failure and to fig. ( ) for examples of some unsatisfactory failures.
Note: Unsatisfactory failures are usually caused by insufficient attention to the details
of making and testing specimens, such as bad molds, bad made specimens or mis-
placement of cubes in the testing machine or machine fault.
Calculations
Calculate the cross-sectional area of the cube face from the checked nominal
dimensions. Calculate the compressive strength of each cube by dividing the
maximum load by the cross-sectional area.
Calculate the average for the three cubes.
Test No. 8
Apparatus:
1- Weights and weighing device.
2- Tools and containers and pans for mixing, or mixer.
3- A tamper (circular in cross-section) (16 mm in diameter and
600 mm in length).
4- Testing machine.
5- Three cylinders (150mm in diameter and 300mm in height).
Procedure:
1- Follow the same steps as in .(test No. 3) in order to prepare a fresh concrete mix.
2- The cylinder also must be clean, lightly oiled, well fixed with the base.
3- Filling the specimens will be also in three layers, roding each layer by (25) strokes
using the circular section rod.
4- All other steps are the same as in test No. 6.
5-The test specimens must be tested in the moist condition with a rate of loading
(0.14-0.34) MPa.
Calculation:
1- Calculate the compressive strength of the specimen by dividing the maximum load
carried by the specimen during the test by the average cross-section area .
2- If the specimen length to diameter ratio is less than(1.8), correct the result obtained
by multiplying the appropriate correction factor shown in following table :
Note:
Factor are applicable for normal concrete strengths (from13.8-14.4) MPa.
Test No.9
(ASTM C496-86 )
Scope:
This method covers the determination of the splitting tensile strength of
cylindrical concrete specimens.
Apparatus:
1. Weights and weighing device.
2. Tools, containers and pans for carrying materials & mixing.
3. A circular cross-sectional rod (l6mm & 600mm length).
4. Testing machine.
5. Three cylinders (150mm & 300mm in height).
6- A jig for aligning concrete cylinder and bearing strips.
Procedure:
1. Prepare three cylindrical concrete specimens following same steps as test No.3
2. After molding and curing the specimens for seven days in water, they can be tested.
3. Two bearings strips of nominal (1/8 in i.e 3.175mm) thick plywood, free of imperfections,
approximately (25mm) wide, and of length equal to or slightly longer than that of the
specimen should be provided for each specimen.
4. The bearing strips are placed between the specimen and both upper and lower bearing
blocks of the testing machine or between the specimen and the supplemental bars or plates.
5. Draw diametric lines an each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will ensure
that they are in the same axial plane. Center one of the plywood strips along the center of
the lower bearing block.
6. Place the specimen on the plywood strip and align so that the lines marked on the ends of
the specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
7. Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centered on the lines marked on
the ends of the cylinder.
8. Apply the load continuously and without shock, at a constant rate within , the range of 689
to 1380 kPa/min splitting tensile stress until failure of the specimen.
9. Record the maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure. Note the type
of failure and appearance of fracture.
T = 2P
Ld
Where: T: splitting tensile strength, kPa
P: maximum applied load indicated by testing machine, kN
L: Length, m
d: diameter, m
Note: This test is note a true tension test, but it fails in tension and used to indicate the
tensile strength of concrete.
Test No. 10
Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete
ASTM C805-85
or
BS 1881:Part202:1986
Scope:
This test is also known as the Schmidt hammer or impact hammer, and is a
non-destructive method of testing concrete. The test is based on the principle that the
rebound of an elastic mass depends on the hardness of the surface against which the
mass impinges.
Apparatus:
1- Rebound hammer.
2- Abrasive stone: consisting of medium-grain texture silicon carbide or equivalent
material.
Procedure:
1- Firmly hold the instrument in a position that allows the plunger to strike
perpendicularly to the surface tested. Gradually increase the pressure on the
plunger until the hammer impacts.
2- After impact, record the rebound number to two significant figures.
3- Take ten readings from each test area. No two impact tests shall be closer together
than 25 mm.
Calculation:
Discard readings differing from the average of 10 readings by more than 5 units
and determine the average of the remaining readings. If more than 2 readings differ
from the average by 7 units, discard the entire set of readings.
Test No. 11
ASTM C598-83
or
BS:1881:Part 203:1986
Scope:
1- This test method covers the determination of the pulse velocity of propagation of
compression waves in concrete.
2- The pulse velocity is independent of the dimensions of the body provided reflected
waves from the boundaries do not complicate the determination of the arrival time
of the directly transmitted pulse.
3- The pulse velocity V is related to the physical properties of a solid by the equation:
V2 = (K) (E)/D
Where:
k =a constant
E = the. modulus of elasticity, and
D = the density.
The relationship is independent of the frequency of the vibrations.
Apparatus:
1- The apparatus used in this test is called PUNDIT . This name is derived from the
initial letters of Portable Ultrasonic Nondestructive Digital Indicating Tester.
2- Two transducers (54 KHz).
3- Two transducer leads.
4- Reference bar for checking zero.
5- Tin of couplant.
Procedure:
1-Before switching on the PUNDIT, the transducers should be connected to the
sockets marked TRAN and REC. The connection or disconnection of the
transmitting transducer should not be made while the instrument switched on.
The PUNDIT may be operated from either:
i) the internal battery,
ii) an external battery, or
iii) the A.C. mains supply.
The battery operation is most convenient for field use while the mains operation is
generally more suitable for laboratory use.
2-If using the A.C. mains supply, plug the mains cable into the 3 way socket mounted
on the rear panel, switch the P.S.S. to MAINS and depress the reset button to switch
the PUNDIT ON.
3- Before using the PUNDIT, it should be calibrated using the reference bar. After
putting the coupling agent on the transducers faces, the transducers faces are placed
and pressed against the reference bar ends, using the set free button. The reading
of the instrument should be adjusted to read the transit time recorded on the
calibration bar.
4- After applying an appropriate coupling agent (such as water, oil, petroleum jelly,
grease, or other viscous materials) to the transducer diaphragms, the test surface, or
both, to avoid entrapped air between the contact surface of the diaphragms of the
transducers and the surface of the concrete. Press the faces of the transducers
against the surfaces of the concrete and measure the transit time. Measure the
length of the shortest direct path between the centers of the diaphragms.
Calculation:
Test No. 12
Scope:
This is one of the widely used methods for designing a concrete mix. The
method requires that samples of the cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate be
available and that the relation between water- cement ratio and strength be known or
assumed.
Apparatus:
1- Weights and weighing device.
2- Tools and containers for mixing.
3- Slump cone and tamper.
Procedure:
1- Assuming that a concrete mix is to be designed to be used in some part of a
building , say a column.
2- Assuming that the compressive strength required is 280kg /cm2,
Referring to table (1) the corresponding w/c ratio is taken to be (0.534) on the
assumption that the concrete is without entrained air.
3- Prepare 3 kg of cement and the corresponding amount of water.
4- Prepare 8 kg of fine aggregate and 12 kg of coarse aggregate.
5- Mix the cement prepared with the water to make a cement paste.
6- From supplies of known weight the aggregates are added in amounts dictated by
judgment, with intermittent mixing, until the batch is brought to the desired
consistency.
7- The batch is carefully examined in order to judge which aggregate to add. The
correct amount of sand is the minimum which will produce enough mortar to fill
the spaces between pieces of coarse aggregate and provide a slight excess for
workability. [ Undersanding creates harshness whereas oversanding decreases
yield, hence a balanced mix is desirable.
8- When the batch is judged to be satisfactory, the remaining supplies of aggregates
are weighed and by difference the amounts used in the batch are computed.
9- Perform a slump test to check the slump.
10-The mix proportions can be calculated.
Test No. 13
Scope:
This test method covers determination of chord modulus of elasticity ( Youngs)
of molded concrete cylinders, when under longitudinal compressive stress.
Apparatus:
1-Testing Machine.
2-Compressometer for measuring the average deformation of the gage line (parallel to
the axis and centered about midheight of the specimen).
Note:
The effective length of the gage line shall be not less than three times the
maximum size of the aggregate in the concrete nor more than two thirds the height of
the specimen; the preferred length of the gage line is one half the height of the
specimen.
Procedure:
1-It is preferable to use two similar specimen, to determine the compressive strength
prior to the test of modulus of elasticity.
2-Place the 2nd specimen, with the strain-measuring equipment attached on the lower
platen of the testing machine. Carefully align the axis of the specimen with the
center of the machine.
3-Load the specimen at least twice. Do not record any data during the first loading,
but observe the performance of the gages and correct any usual behavior prior to
the second loading.
4-Apply the load continuously and without shock, at a constant rate ( 241 + 34 ) kPa/s
or (3.66-4.86 ) kN/s.
5-Record, without interruption of loading, the applied load and longitudinal strain.
The first reading is when the stress equals ( 0.5 MPa) or the load ( 8.8 kN) [
according to BS ], or when the strain is 50 x 10-6 [ according to ASTM].
The 2nd record is when = fc /3 [ BS] , or = 0.4 fc [ASTM].
6- Remove compressometer and continue loading to failure.
Calculations
1- Calculate the modulus of elasticity as follows:
E = / = ( 2 - 1 ) / ( 2 - 1 )
Where:
E = Secant (chord) modulus of elasticity.
The method of Goldbeck and Gray has also been called b/bo method and is sometimes
referred to ACI method. This method is based on the absolute volumes of the material in a
unit volume of concrete. The method takes into account a b/bo ratio. The term b equals
the volume of coarse aggregate in a unit volume of concrete. The bo term equals the solid
volume of coarse aggregate in a unit volume of Dry-rodded coarse aggregate. The term
b/bo equals the dry-rodded volume (Bulk volume) of coarse aggregate in a unit of
concrete. The procedure of design of concrete mixtures involves the use of data from
tables 1 to 3 which have been prepared by Goldbeck and Gray. These tables are utilizes
for typical materials.
The steps in performing a concrete mix design will be listed and then an example will be
given.
(1) Determine the bulk dry specific gravities of fine and coarse aggregates.
(2) Determine the dry-rodded unit weight of the coarse aggregate.
(3) Determine the fineness modulus of the fine aggregates and the absorption of fine
and coarse aggregates.
(4) Compute the solid unit weights of cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate.
(5) Calculate the bo of coarse aggregate as follows:
dry rodded weight / ft 3
bo =
solid weight / ft 3
(6) According to the size of coarse aggregate and the fineness modulus of the fine
aggregate, find the b/bo value from Table 1.
6
(7) According to the size of coarse aggregate, 28-day compressive strength desired,
and slump, find the required water, cement, and air from Table 2 (non-air
entrained concrete) or Table 3 (air-entrained concrete).
(8) Determine the solid volumes of cement, water, coarse aggregate, and air and get
the total volume of them.
(9) Determine the solid volume of fine aggregate in a cubic yard of concrete as
follows:
[ 1 yd3 (27 ft3) sum of item (8)]
(10) Convert the solid volumes to lbs/yd3 of concrete.
(11) According to the absorption of fine and coarse aggregates, calculate the
additional water requirement.
3. Example:
Data
1. Coarse Aggregate:
a. Size: No. 4 (3/16 in.) to in., angular aggregate
b. Absorption = 0.4%
c. Bulk dry specific gravity = 2.7
d. Dry-rodded unit weight = 101.5 lb/ft3
2. Fine Aggregate:
a. Fineness modulus = 2.7
b. Absorption = 0.8%
c. Bulk dry specific gravity = 2.5
3. Concrete:
a. 3 in. slump
b. 3000 psi 28-days compressive strength for non-air-entrained concrete
1. Coarse Aggregate:
Solid unit weight = S.G. Unit weight of water
= (2.7) (62.4) = 168.48 (lb/ft3)
7
b = (b/bo) . bo = (0.56)(0.602) = 0.337 yd3
= the solid volume of coarse aggregate in a unit volume of concrete
From Table 2, for No. 4 to in. angular coarse aggregate, 3 in. slump, and 3000
psi 28-days compressive strength, water requirement = 42 gal/yd3 of concrete
2. Cement:
Specific gravity = 3.14
Solid unit weight = (3.14)(62.4) = 195.94 lb/ft3
1 sack = 94 lb Cement = (94/195.94) = 0.48 ft3 (solid volume)
3. Water:
1 ft3 = 7.5 gallon
4. Fine Aggregate:
Specific gravity, S.G. = 2.5
Solid unit weight = (2.5)(62.4) = 156 lb/ft3
8
Notes:
9
4. The air-entrained concrete:
The air-entrained concrete is always used during the freezing months. The
entrainment provides the capacity to absorb the expansive forces of ice that form
within the concrete.
The air-entrained concrete can have lower water-cement ratios than non-air-
entrained concrete.
5. Reference: Materials for Civil & Highway Engineers, 2nd edition, Kenneth N.
Derucher and George P. Korfiatis, Prentice Hall, 1988, ISBN: 0-13-560509-1.
Table 1:
10
Table 2:
11
Table 3:
12
Steal Testing
EGM 3520L Material Testing Lab
Steel Tensile Test: Reference Document: ASTM E8
1. Introduction:
The most common material in construction besides concrete is steel. Concrete,
though it has a high compressive strength, its tensile strength is usually much lower and
mounts up to 8 12 % of its compressive strength. Steel, therefore, is used in concrete
structural elements to bare tensile loads and bending moments.
The major components of steel are Iron and carbon which ranges between 0.01
and 1 percent. Sulfur, phosphorus, manganese, silicon and as much as 20 other alloys are
present in steel and are added in various quantities to steel during its manufacturing
process depending on the desired hardness, toughness and tensile strength of steel.1
Figure 1: Plain Bars Figure 2: Deformed Bars Figure 3:Plain & Deformed wires
The deformation in deformed steel bars is intended to increase the bonding between steel
and concrete and to prevent slippage of the steel reinforcement bars.
13
Steel reinforcement bars are produced mainly with four different yield strengths, shown
in the table below. The grade of steel indicates its yield strength in Ksi.
2. Objectives
The objective of this lab experiments is to incrementally load a steel bar till
failure, while recording the value of the load and the change in length of the steel bar at
each stage. Then based on the colleted data, determine:
- Modulus of Elasticity of Steel, Esteel & Compare it to the theoretical value.
- Yield strength of Steel, yield
- Ultimate strength of steel, Ultimate
- Plot Stress Vs Strain Curve for steel
3. Definitions
- Yield Point: The Point at which an increase in strain occurs without an increase in
the stress is defined as the yield point. Stress at this point is defined as the steel
yield stress.1
4. Equipment
- Universal Testing Machine
- Dial Gauge / Extensometer
14
Figure 5: Dial Gauge
5. Procedure
1. Load a Steel bar into the machine, with a 6 length of steel between the testing
machine clamps.
2. Mount the dial gauge and reset to Zero
3. Apply load with in stages, starting with 250 lb and with increments of 250 lb
4. At each load stage record the applied load and the Change in bar length (read
from gauge).
5. Keep incrementing the load till failure.
P.s.: At failure notice the tip & cone failure mode of the steel bar.
15
6. Equations:
P d2
= = E= = A= L = 6"
A L 4
E Experimental = (Slope) or E Experimental = E ave
E1 + E2 + E3 + ......... + Em
Eave =
m
ETheoretical ,Steel = 29 x10 6 psi
E Experimental ETheoretical
% Error = x 100%
ETheoretical
16
7. Typical Stress Strain Curve
8. Calculation Sheet
17
9. Discussion
Possible source of error: Slipping of the steel at the testing machine grips
Lab. Pictures:
18
EGM 3520L Material Testing Lab
Steel Torsion Test
1. Introduction
Structural steel elements, besides tensile or compressive loading, might be subject
to a third form of loading that is torsion. Turbine shaft, car transmission or a column
holding a billboard subject to wind, are all examples of elements subject to torsion.
Torsion (torque) results from a force applied at a distance. In other words, torsion results
from a Moment (= force x Distance from bar axis) about the axis of a structural element,
such as a steel beam or bar.
What governs the response of steel subject to torsion is its Modulus of Rigidity, G
also knows as the Shear Modulus. The modulus of rigidity represents a measure of the
stiffness of the material in resisting shear loading.
19
Figure 7: Steel Test Specimen Before & After Being Subject to Torsion
2. Objectives
In this lab experiment two specimens will be used, a brass bar and a steel bar. The
dimensions of the bars are as follows:
- dSteel = dbrass = 0.24
- Lsteet = Lbrass = 3.15
Each specimen will be mounted on the Torque Testing Machine, and torque (T) will be
applied incrementally. Values of the Torque corresponding to each obtained rotation and
the angle of rotation (measured using a dial gauge) will be recorded. The collected
values for each bar will be used to:
- Determine Modulus of Rigidity, G and compare it to the theoretical value of G
- Establish a relationship between T & , and Plot T vs.
- Establish a relationship between & , and Plot &
Where:
- G : Modulus of Rigidity, Psi
- : Rotation, Degrees
- T: Applied torque (Moment),
lb-in
- : Shear Stress, Psi
- : Shear Strain
20
Figure 8: Sketch of Torsion Test Setup
21
3. Equipment
- Torsion Testing Machine
- Dial Gauge
4. Procedure
1. Load specimen to the machine
2. Reset Load (Zero Load) gage.
3. Reset Rotation Gage
4. Apply Torque incrementally to obtain desired value of
5. Record values of T and
6. Continue increasing T and recording T and at each stage.
5. Equations
22
T c c radians c4
= = G= = J=
J L 2
GExperimental = (Slope) or G Experimental = Gave
G1 + G2 + G3 + ......... + Gm Deg
Gave = (radians) = .
m 180
GTheoretical ,Steel = 10.8 x10 6 psi GTheoretical , Brass = 5.6 x10 6 psi
GExperimental GTheoretical
% Error = x 100%
GTheoretical
6. Typical Graphs
23
Graph 2: Shearing Stress vs Shearing strain
24
Graph 3: Shear Stress vs Shear Strain
7. Calculation Sheet
8. Discussion
The major Reason of Error: Specimen & Equipment
25
EGM 3520L Material Testing Lab
Steel Flexure Test
1. Introduction
Beams subject to lateral loading exhibit a behaviour known as Flexure (Bending).
The sagging of a book shelf under the weight of the books is an example of flexure.
Under bending the beam experiences 3 types of loading; Compression in the top, tension
in the bottom in addition to shear in the direction of the lateral load. The compressive
force at the top with the tensile force at the bottom (thus forming a couple) creates what
is known as the bending moment.
Compression Bending
Moment
Shear Shear
Tension
The degree of flexure of the beam depends on four main factors. Those factors
are:
1. The applied load, as load increases the flexure increase
2. Moment of Inertia I of the beam, as the I increases we have less deflection.
3. The length of the beam. Longer spans result in larger deflections
4. The properties of the material making up the beam, mainly E
2. Objectives
Two test specimens will be used. A brass and a cast iron specimen. The
specimens have the following dimensions:
26
- hCast Iron = hbrass = 6.65 x 10 -3 m
-
bCast Iron = bbrass = 19.94 x 10-3 m
h
b
The specimens will be mounted on the testing machine, and then incremental loads will
be applied on the beam. The load will be applied in the form of a pair P each at a distance
a from each support. Dial gauges will be used to measure the measure the deflection at
the 2 ends of the specimen and at midspan. The collected data will be used to:
- Determine the Modules of Elasticity Ecast iron & Ebrass and compare to the
theoretical values of E
- Find a relationship between P and C and plot P vs. C
3. Equipment
- Flexure Testing Machine
- Dial Gauge
27
Figure 11: Flexure Testing Machine
28
4. Procedure
1. Mount specimen on flexure testing machine
2. Reset dial gauges (3 dials)
3. Apply 2 loads of equal value P each at a distance a from each support (note
the value of a to use it in calculations)
4. Incrementally increase load (refers to the indicate loads in the worksheet
below)
5. For each load record the readings of the vertical deflections measured by the
dial gauges at the specimen ends and midspan.
5. Equations
+ B 1 3
S= A C = C S I= bh
2 12
C =
(
P. a 3 L2 4 a 2 ) or E=
(
P. a 3 L2 4 a 2 )
24 EI 24 C I
L =1m a = 0.25 m
E1 + E2 + E3 + ......... + Em
Eave =
m
E Experimental ETheoretical
% Error = x 100%
ETheoretical
29
6. Typical Graphs
7. Calculation Sheet
P (N) A (m) B (m) C (m) S (m) C (m) E (Pa)
2
4
5
7
9
10
12
30
14
15
8. Discussion
The major reasons of error:
- Specimen
- Equipment
Pictures:
Student performing flexure text in metals Brass specimen under flexural loads
31
Wood Testing
EGM3520L Material Testing Lab
Column Buckling Test
Introduction:
A buckling load is defined as a critical load or crippling load or Eulers load on a slender
column, which just causes buckling or bending of a compression member. Thus, the
nature of compressive force is no more axial in buckling phenomena.
Objective:
The main objective is to find theoretical and practical value of buckling load in timber
compression members. By performing this lab students will find: the relationship
between and plotting the data obtained and based on the graph identify the
proportional Limit (PL), modulus of elasticity E, ultimate strength (US), and the
relationship between the maximum compressive stress (FC') and the slenderness ratio
(L/d).
Procedure:
Five slender specimens of timber (Southern Pine) are prepared with different square
section as follow; sizes (d x d x L): 3"x3"x12", 1.5"x1.5x12", 1"x1"x12", "x""x12",
and "x"x12". Then they are tested one by one to find out its buckling load.
Compressive load is applied slowly on the column specimen until it just starts to buckle
and the load is recorded to compare for theoretical value. Theoretically,
Where,
E= elastic modulus of the specimen
I= I min= second moment of area (moment
of inertia)
Le= effective length of column depending
on the end condition (in our case, two ends
are fixed and hence Le will be 1.0L
and L= length of column.
40
Specimen: Timber slender member with size (bxdx) =1x3x12,
Equipment: Compression testing machine with load dial gauge.
Result:
Tables: 3"x3"x12"
P (lb) (0.001 in) (psi) E (psi)
1000 1 1 1 E1
2000 2 2 2 E2
3000 3 3 3 E3
Pm m (PL) m m Em
N/A
N/A
N/A
Pn-1 n-1 n-1 n-1 N/A
(Pmax) Pn N/A (max=US) n N/A N/A
41
Equations:
Figures:
42
Discussion:
It is aimed to be familiar with the buckling load which mainly depends on the modulus of
elasticity, moment of inertia of the section, and end condition of the compression
member. Possible error may develop due to inferior material quality, eye judgment of
buckling and its corresponding load.
The major reason of the error: knots, split, and uneven surface.
43
Bitumen Testing
57
Procedure:
~ The clean, dried specific gravity bottle is weighed let that be W Igm.
~ Then it is filled with fresh distilled water and then kept in water bath for at least half an hour at
temperature 27CO.1 C.
~ The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The specific gravity bottle containing
distilled water is now weighed. Let this be W 2gm.
~ Then the specific gravity bottle is emptied and cleaned. The bituminous material is heated to a
1. 2.
pouring temperature and the material is poured half the bottle, by taking care to prevent entry
of air bubbles. Then it is weighed. Let this be W 3gm.
~ The remaining space in specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled water at 27C and is
weighed. Let this be W 4gm. Then specific gravity of bituminous material is given by formula
(~ -~)
(~-~)-(~ -~)
Viva Voce:
1. Define specific gravity.
2. What is the use of finding specific gravity?
3. What are the factors affecting specific gravity test?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Specific Gravity of
Bitumen, IS: 1202, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.
PENETRATION TEST
Theorv and Scope:
The consistencies of bituminous materials vary depending upon several factors such as
constituents, temperature, etc. As temperature ranges between 25 and 50C most of the paving
bitumen grades remain in semi solid or in plastic states and their viscosity is so high that they do not
flow as liquid.
Determination of absolute viscosity of bituminous material is not so simple. Therefore the
consistency of these materials is determined by indirect methods. The consistency of bitumen is
determined by penetration test which is a very simple test. Various types and grades of bituminous
materials are available depending on their origin and refining process. The penetration test determines
the consistency of these materials foe the purpose of grading them, by measuring the depth (in units of
one tenth of a millimeter or one hundredth of a centimeter) to which a standard needle will penetrate
vertically under specified conditions of standard load, duration and temperature. Thus the basic
principle of the penetration test is the measurement of the penetration (in units of one tenth of a mm) of
a standard needle in a bitumen sample maintained at 25C during five seconds, the total weight of the
needle assembly being 100gm. The softer the bitumen, the greater will be the penetration. The test is
conducted as per IS-1203 for paving bitumen.
Apparatus: It consists of items like container, needle, water bath, penetrometer, stop watch etc.
Container is 55mm in diameter and 35mm to 57mm height. The needle is provided with a
1. 2.
shank approximately 3.0mm in diameter into which it is immovably fixed.
Procedure:
~ The bitumen is softened to a paving consistency between 75 and 100C above the approximate
temperature at which bitumen softens.
~ The sample material is thoroughly stirred to make it homogeneous and free from air bubbles and
water.
~ The sample containers are cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower than 13C for one
hour. Then they are placed in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of 25C for a
period of one hour.
~ The weight of needle, shaft and additional weight are checked. The total weight of this assembly
should be IOOgm.
~ Using the adjusting screw, the needle assembly is lowered and the tip of the needle is made to
just touch the top surface of the sample.
~ The needle assembly is clamped in this position. The contact of the tip of the needle is checked
using the mirror placed on the rear of the needle.
~ The initial reading of the penetrometer dial is either adjusted to zero or the initial reading is
noted.
~ Then the needle is released by pressing a button and a stop watch is started. The needle is
released exactly for a period of 5.0secs.
~ At least 3 measurements are made on this sample by testing at distance of not less than IOOmm
apart.
~ The difference between the initial and final penetration readings are taken as the
penetration value.
Trails
Mean Value Readings
3 2 1
Penetrometer Dial Initial
Reading
Penetrometer Dial Final
Reading
Penetration Value
Result:
The average penetration value of a given bitumen sample is __________________ and the grade of
bitumen is
Viva Voce:
1. What are the applications of penetration test?
2. What do you understand by the term 30/40 bitumen?
3. What are the precautions to be taken while conducting a penetration test?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Penetration of Bitumen, IS:
1203, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.
DUCTILITY TEST
Theorv and Scope:
A certain minimum ductility is necessary for a bitumen binder. This is because of the
temperature changes in bituminous mixes and the repeated deformations that occur in flexible
pavements due to the traffic loads. It is of significant importance that the binders form ductile thin films
around the aggregates. The binder material which does not possess sufficient ductility would crack and
thus provide previous pavement surface. This is in turn results in damaging effect to the pavement
structure. The ductility is expressed as the distance in centimeters to which a standard briquette of
bitumen can be stretched before the thread breaks. The test is standardized by the IS: 1208. The test is
conducted at 27O.5C and a rate of pull of 502.5 mm per minute.
Apparatus: Briquette mould, (length - 75mm, distance between clips - 30mm, width at mouth of clips
- 20mm, cross section at minimum width - lOmm x lOmm), Ductility machine with
water bath and a pulling device at a precaliberated rate, a putty knife, thermometer.
Procedure:
~ The bitumen sample is method to a pouring temperature (75C to 100C) and poured into the
mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, where a solution of glycerin or soap solution is
applied at all surfaces of briquette mould exposed to bitumen.
2. the entire assembly is placed in a
~ After the sample is poured to the mould, thirty to forty minutes
water bath at 27C.
~ Then the sample is removed from the water bath maintained at 27C and excess bitumen material
is cutoffby leveling the surface using hot knife.
~ After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water bath
maintained at 27C for 85 to 95 minutes. Then the sides of mould are removed and
the clips are carefully booked on the machine without causing any initial strain. Two or more
specimens may be prepared in the moulds and clipped to the machine so as to conduct these test
simultaneously.
~ The pointer is set to read zero. The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled apart
horizontally.
~ While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water at depth of
atleast IOmm. The distance at which the bitumen thread of each specimen breaks is recorded
(in em) to report as ductility value.
L.en~Ul . 75 mm
Distance betw~n dip~ Xl mr!:l
Willtn, at mouth of ol'illSill :2() mID
CTO~~ ~~ctiol'l ;J.l minimum. widtll [{I mm ;< 10 rom
Trails
Mean Value Test Property
3 2 1
Ductility Value
Result: The ductility value of the given bitumen sample is ______________________ cm.
Viva Voce:
1. List the factors that affect the result of a ductility test.
2.What do you understand by the term repeatability and reproducibility? 3.
Explain the significance of ductility test.
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Ductility of Bitumen, IS: 1208,
Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
Bros. Roorkee.
SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN
Aim: To determine the softening point of given paving bitumen as per IS: 1205.
Apparatus: Ring and Ball apparatus, Water bath with stirrer, Thermometer, Glycerin, etc. Steel balls
each of9.5mm and weight of2.50.08gm.
Procedure:
~ Sample material is heated to a temperature between 75 and 100C above the approximate
softening point until it is completely fluid and is poured in heated rings placed on the metal
plate.
~ To avoid sticking of the bitumen to metal plate, coating is done to this with a solution of glycerin
and dextrin.
~ After cooling the rings in air for 30 minutes, the excess bitumen is trimmed and rings are placed
in the support.
~ At this time the temperature of distilled water is kept at 5C. This temperature IS maintained for
15 minutes after which the balls are placed in position.
~ Then the temperature of water is raised at uniform rate of 5C per minute with a controlled
heating unit, until the bitumen softens and touches the bottom plate by sinking of balls. At least
two observations are made. For material whose softening point is above 80C, glycerin is used
for heating medium and the starting temperature is 35C instead of 5C.
~ The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate of
support is recorded as softening point value.
Trails
Mean Value Test Property
3 2 1
Temperature ("C) at which I
ball touches the bottom plate
Temperature ("C) at which II
ball touches the bottom plate
Final Softening Point Temperature
Result: The softening point value of given bitumen sample is ____________________________ oC and
grade of bitumen is _________________ _
Viva Voce:
1.What are the factors which affect the ring and ball test results? 2. What
is softening point?
If material A has softening point of 56 and B has 42 which binder is good and why?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Softening Point of
Bitumen, IS: 1205, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
Bros. Roorkee.
778
Concrete and Highway Materials Testing Laboratory 7
Aim: To determine the flash and fire point of a given bituminous material.
Apparatus: Pensky-Martens closed cup tester, thermometer, heating source, flame exposure.
Procedure:
~ All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.
~ The material is filled in the cup upto a mark. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed system.
All accessories including thermometer of the specified range are suitably fixed.
~ The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that the size of
a bed is of 4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5 to 6C per minute.
During heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of approximately 60 revolutions per
minute.
~ The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points and
corresponding temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash and fire are
noted.
Trails
Mean Value Test
3 2 1
Flash Point
Fire point
Result: The temperature at which the flame application that causes a bright flash
______ oC and temperature at which the sample catches fire _______________________ oC.
Viva Voce:
I. Define flash and fire points.
2. What is the significance of flash and fire point test?
3. What are the parameter that affects the result of flash and fire point tests?
References:
I. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Flash and Fire Point of
Bitumen, IS: 1209, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.
VISCOSITY TEST
Theorv and Scope:
Viscosity is defined as the increase of fluidity. The degree of fluidity at the application
temperature greatly influences the ability of bituminous material to spread, penetrate in to void and
also coat the aggregates and hence affects the strength characteristics of the resulting paving mixes.
There is an optimum value of fluidity or viscosity for mixing and compacting for each aggregate
gradation of the mix and bitumen grade. At high fluidity or low viscosity, the bitumen binder simply
"lubricates" the aggregate particles instead of providing a uniform film thickness for binding action.
Similarly, low fluidity or high viscosity does not enable the bitumen to coat the entire surface of
aggregates. It will increase the compactive force or effort. The test is conducted as per IS: 1206.
Aim: To determine the property of a given bituminous material as per IS: 1206.
Apparatus: A orifice viscometer (one of 4.0mm diameter used to test cut back grades 0 and 1 and
10mm orifice to test all other grades), water bath, stirrer and thermometer.
Procedure:
~ The tar cup is properly leveled and water in the bath is heated to the temperature specified for the
test and is maintained throughout the test.
~ The sample material is heated at the temperature 20 above the specified test temperature and the
material is allowed to cool. During cooling the material continuously, stirred.
~ When material reaches slightly above test temperature, the same is poured in the tar cup, until the
leveling peg on the value rod is just immersed.
~ A graduate receiver (cylinder) and a 20ml of mineral oil or one percent by weight solution of soft
soap is poured.
~ When the sample material reaches the specified test temperature within O.IC and then valve is
opened.
~ The stop watch is started with the valve opening and time is noted for collecting a 50ml of test
sample to flow through the orifice and collected in the receiver kept below the orifice
viscometer.
L
.
rT o
- ..,...
Trails
Mean Value Test
3 2 1
Viscosity in Sec.
Result: The time In seconds for 50ml of the test sample to flow through the orifice
sec.
Viva Voce:
1. Explain the term viscosity.
2. What are the uses of viscosity test?
3. What are the precautions to be taken during viscosity test using orifice viscometer?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Viscosity of Bitumen, IS: 1206,
Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
Bros. Roorkee.
Bituminous Mix Desien bv Marshall Method
Theorv and Scope:
Bituminous mixes are used in the surface course of road and airfield pavements. The desirable
bituminous mix properties include stability, density, durability, flexibility, resistance to skidding and
workability during construction. Stability is defined as resistance of the paving mix to deformation
under load and is thus a stress level which causes strain depending upon anticipated field conditions.
Stability is function of friction and cohesion. Durability is defined as the resistance of the mix against
weathering which causes hardening and this depends upon loss of volatiles and oxidation.
In this method the resistance to plastic deformation of cylindrical specimen of bituminous
mixture is measured when the same is loaded at the periphery at 5 cm per minute. This test procedure is
used in designing and evaluating bituminous paving mixes. ASTM vide designation D 1559-62 T has
standardized the test procedure.
Aim: To determine optimum binder content of given bituminous mix by Marshall method of Mix
Design.
Apparatus: Mould Assembly, Sample Extractor, Compaction Pedestal and Hammer, Breaking Head,
Loading Machine, flow meter, thermometers, water bath and oven.
Procedure:
~ The coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and mineral filler material should be proportioned and
mixed in such a way that final mix after blending has the gradation within the specified
range.
~ Approximately 1200 grms of aggregates and filler are taken and heated to a temperature of
175 to 190 C.
~ The compaction mould assembly and rammer are cleaned and kept pre-heated to a temperature
of 100C to 145C. The bitumen is heated to temperature of 121 to 138 C
and the required quantity of first trail percentage of bitumen is added to the heated aggregate and
thoroughly mixed using a mechanical mixer or by hand mixing with trowel.
~ Then the mix is heated and a temperature of 150 to 160C is maintained and then the mix is
transferred into the pre-heated mould and compacted by giving seventy five blows on each side.
~ The specific gravity values of different aggregates, filler and bitumen used are determined first.
The theoretical specific gravity of the mix is determined.
~ Soon after the compacted bituminous mix specimens have cooled to room temperature, the weight,
average thickness and diameter of the specimen are noted. The specimens are weighed in air and
then in water.
~ The bulk density value of the specimen if calculated from weight and volume.
~ Then the specimen to be tested are kept immersed under water in a thermostatically controlled
water bath maintained at 60 1 C for 30 to 40 minutes.
~ The specimens are taken out one by one, placed in the Marshall test head and the Marshall stability
value and flow value are noted.
~ The corrected Marshall Stability value of each specimen is determined by applying the appropriate
correction factor, if the average height of the specimen is not exactly 63.5
mm.
~ Five graphs are plotted with values of bitumen content against the values of density, Marshall
Stability, Voids in total mix, Flow value, Voids filled by Bitumen.
~ Let the bitumen contents corresponding to maximum density be B 1, corresponding to maximum
stability be B2 and that corresponding to the specified voids content (at 4.0%) be B3. Then the
optimum bitumen content for mix design is given by: Bo= (B1+ B2+ B3) / 3
1.
1Ii~
3. Preparation of Specimen
4. Design Binder Content
6.00 15.50
;!
.
. ~ 15.00
9
=">
~ 4.00
~ 2.00 14.50
~
14.00 3.5
0.00 3.5
4.5 5.5 4.5 5.5
Binder content in !I. Binder content in %
75.00
~ 74.00
.
S
'"
""> 73.00
72.00
3.5 4 4.5 5.5
Binder rontent in %
Viva Voce:
1. What is the significance of flow value in Marshall Test?
2. What is filler?
3. What are the essential properties of bituminous mixes?
Reference:
1. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.
2. Ministry of Road Highway Transport, fourth revisions, by Indian Road Congress.